Works Cited

MLA Page goes here.

Reflection

Through my research on Canada’s response to natural disasters abroad, I have learned a lot about how countries make contributions, where the money goes, and how much Canada is actually helping. Going into the topic, I had strong notions in my mind that Canada never did enough to help disaster torn countries. I felt that we were constantly failing to met our pledges, and ultimately, providing little to no effect in rehabilitating areas hurt by environmental catastrophes. However, this idea was immediately proved wrong. Through my analysis of the 2004 Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, I realized that Canada makes massive contributions that have a powerful affect on the lives of thousands of individuals harmed by such disasters. I also began to realize that monetary support is not always the most necessary, or effective method of aid. Most of the time, it is actually best to send goods or care packages, as they cannot be stolen by corrupted governments. Volunteers are also extremely important. Many of these poorly developed countries do not have the means to provide aid, and need doctors, divers, and military to help them reduce the risk level of the area. Ultimately, my research has taught me that natural disasters are far more complex than they seem. It is not always as simple as raising money - these countries require far more to provide any sort of hope of rehabilitation.


The big thing that I now understand as a result of my Independent Study Project is the importance of unity. All different types of organizations across the world must work together in times of need to find a common solution. It is only through this cooperation that adequate relief is provided to natural disaster torn countries. In a political context, I have learned that it is also important to have strong relationships with other nations. Environmental catastrophes can strike anywhere in the world, at any time. It is in these hours of need that ties with other countries will become extremely helpful. My ISP has given me insight into Canada’s Foreign Affairs, and shown me that our bonds with nations world-wide are quite strong. Canada has consistently helped areas in need, whether the result of a hurricane, forest fire, famine, epidemic, earthquake, war or any other disaster, and in turn, left a positive message on the world stage. Ultimately, my project has made me much more proud of my country, and allowed me to understand that we are a gracious and helpful nation.

Conference Report

Our seminar group has been working well together. Sarah, Scott, Justine and I have only met a couple of times, however, we have come up with some concrete plans and solid ideas. We feel that the best way for us to remain within the time frame, stay organized, and be concise is to use a PowerPoint Presentation. As a group, we realize that all students learn in different ways. Some people cannot retain information by just hearing it, so we believe that the added text will be beneficial to the class’ understanding of our topic. Also, to fully express the need for natural disaster aid, we are planning on beginning the presentation with a video / photo montage of catastrophe ravaged areas. This will be a powerful way to begin our report, and we hope will instantly grab the attention of the classmates.


In terms of content, we think that each of us will cover our respective topics. However, from working together, we have realized how essential it is for international cooperation in dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters. We hope too stress that no single organization could find a resolution, and that it is only through the unity of governments, NGOs, and charities that disaster torn areas have a chance at rehabilitation.


Overall, it has been a delight to work with Sarah, Scott and Justine. Every one of them is hard working, and we are all pulling our weight. I think that through a couple other group meetings, and finalizing some outstanding details, we will be able to produce an informative, and engaging presentation on humanitarian aid.

Personal Interview - Jackie Marriott

I have decided to get some more personal information as I continue working on my essay. For my next source, I have decided to conduct a personal interview with my aunt, Jacqueline Marriott. For over a decade, Jackie has been traveling to Bali, Indonesia every winter for business purposes. When the 2004 Asian tsunami struck, Jackie had been traveling and was just miles away from the devastated coastline. Naturally, she immediately decided to volunteer in any way she could. She first enlisted to help with the Canadian Red Cross. The biggest priority was to fill jugs of fresh water for those harmed by the event. As supplies began to slowly be sent in from the Canadian government and the Red Cross, she began to make health packs, bandages, and rice to aid the victims. Later on, other important goods such as bedding, clothes and tents began to arrive. She said that doctors and volunteers from Canada arrived on the scene nearly instantly. 

Overall, she seemed quite pleased with Canada’s contributions. When Jackie first came back to Canada following the tsunami, she told us that she was just grateful that she could help. Still, I do remember that she told me that provisions from Canada, charity organizations and various other countries came extremely quickly, and that had it not been for the quick action and generosity of these groups that there would have been hope for the restoration of Indonesia.

Currently, Jackie is still in Indonesia. She is set to return this weekend. When she does, I plan to have an in depth discussion with her about her experiences during the tsunami, and how Canada’s aid helped in the repairing of Indonesia and Thailand.

Natural Disasters and Risk Reduction

As I continue my research, I have discovered a website that will be of great benefit to me for this independent study. The site is part of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada webpage, entitled “Natural Disasters and Risk Reduction.” For my thesis to be successful, I will have to cite indisputable facts regarding Canada’s response to natural disasters abroad. This site contains comprehensive information regarding the issue including what means the government uses, how long it takes them to respond, the role of specific departments, objectives and many more. Interestingly enough, there is an entire section devoted to the documentation Canada’s assistance in the aftermath of key natural disasters that must be updated frequently, as it now has a page regarding the recent Central Italy earthquake.

The validity of this source is extremely strong. An official government website must include accurate information, and though I would not be surprised to find bias, I feel that I can professionally asses the information and draw rational conclusions. From what I have read so far, I am pleased to see that the Canadian government has been spreading our socialistic viewpoint in its foreign aid.

Ultimately, I feel as though this source will be essential in proving my thesis. Balancing this practical assessment of natural disasters with the emotional side I learned about in Cooper’s novel, I believe that I should be able to create a successful argumentative essay.

Website can be found by clicking here.

Dispatches From The Edge

          When I decided to write my independent study on natural disaster relief, the first source that came to mind was a book a read a few years ago by CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper. Dispatches from the Edge is a memoir by Cooper, in which he recounts his coverage of four of the worlds biggest disasters - the tsunami, Katrina, the war in Iraq and the Niger famine. I remembered the narrative as extremely moving, but on top of that, informative. I recently dug up my copy of the book, and begun to re-read the biography. Not only has it given me a strong background knowledge on various disasters, but it has also taught me about the importance of providing disaster relief. It is not just an emotional recollection, but a rational one as well. Cooper manages to blend facts with personal opinion to create a compelling and informative read.

          Cooper’s memoir is a great platform to begin my research on. It has provided a solid foundation, and will allow me to look at further information in a more objective light. The subject is extremely moving one, and I feel that if I am to analyze the matter effectively, I have to approach it in a detached manner. The facts must speak for themselves, and I can’t let personal bias cloud my vision. By starting with this piece, I have prepared myself for the wave of emotions that come along with such a thesis.

Welcome!

          Welcome to my blog for the CPW4U Independent Study. Through this blog, I hope to garner extensive knowledge on the topic of natural disaster relief, with a specific focus on Canada’s role in providing aid. I would also like to spread awareness, even if just to you and some of my fellow classmates, about the difference one person can make through a small contribution to any cause. If everyone assumed that their two dollars wouldn’t even matter, those hurt by disasters would have no chance at getting back on their feet, or even worse, surviving.

          It is hard to believe, but in the world around us it seems as if we can’t go a year without experiencing some sort of severe natural disaster. The last five years alone have brought some of humanities greatest tragedies - the 2004 Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake are just a few that come to mind. These events have had a devastating effect not only on those directly involved, but on the environment and the world economy as well. With such a strong impact on the global scale, each and every country is expected to offer a contribution regardless of their current financial situation.

          Through my research I would like to find an answer to the big question - “Where exactly does my money go?” Citizens constantly question how much good their donation brings, and what is being done with it. I plan to delve deep into the Canada’s background on disaster aid, and try to discover how much of an effect we are having on the restoration of these regions, and of peoples lives.